Why not? Volunteers gearing up for Relay

$192,000, 35 teams and 175 survivors ... Why not?
That’s the question Howard and Glasscock Counties can expect to be hearing from Relay For Life members for 2013. The annual event is set for April 19-20 at Blankenship Field.
During the Community Kick-off for the 2013 Relay For Life, held Tuesday night in Garrett Hall at First United Methodist Church, the goals for the upcoming Relay were announced.
“This year I am not taking no for an answer. We are going to Relay big this year so that we can be in line with the national theme, Dream Big, Hope Big, Relay Big, Why not?,” Relay Chairman Manny Negron said.
Last year, the monetary goal was set at $192,000 and was barely missed, which is why Negron said he feels like it can be reached this year. There were 165 survivors last year and Negron wants to increase that number to 175 and is expecting to see 35 teams on the field compared to the 25 last year.
“I am issuing the challenge this year of ‘Why not?’ to all community members. I want all residents in Howard and Glasscock counties to fight strong against cancer this year and make this the best Relay yet,” Negron said. “Let’s fight strong. Let’s fight big in Howard and Glasscock counties.”
As of Tuesday evening there were already 10 teams signed up for the 2013 Relay. Several of the teams, many of which are returning from previous years, already have fundraisers underway.
“One dollar can do a lot. That $10 required to sign up a team is going to help someone fighting this battle and can help someone beat cancer,” Negron said. “So, I ask, ‘Why not?’ If we don’t do it then there goes a life. There are so many lives that have been saved and many more stories can be shared because we Relay.”
Teams can consist of one member or 100 members, according to Negron. There is no limit of members for a team.
“There is no minimum number of members required to form a team. There can be one person on a team or a group of people; the important thing is that we get the people who have a heart for Relay and the passion to get out there and fight this battle so that another person doesn’t have to hear the word cancer,” Negron said.
To register for the 2013 Relay For Life, contact Negron at 432-816-9464 or go online to relayforlife.org/bigspringtx.